Alonso to return for Barca clash
Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso will return for Wednesday's (AEDT) visit of Barcelona, but Tiemoue Bakayoko is out, Antonio Conte revealed.
Chelsea will be boosted by the return of Marcos Alonso for the first leg of its UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Barcelona but Tiemoue Bakayoko is not expected to play, according to Antonio Conte.
Spanish defender Alonso sat out Chelsea's 4-0 rout of Hull City in the FA Cup fifth round on Satirday (AEDT), having missed back-to-back Premier League fixtures with hamstring and ankle problems.
Struggling midfielder Bakayoko was also absent for the clash at Stamford Bridge amid his woes and head coach Conte all but ruled out the Frenchman for Wednesday's (AEDT) visit of LaLiga leader Barcelona.
"Bakayoko I don't think will be available for the Barcelona game, but Alonso is ready to play," Conte said.
Olivier Giroud and Willian starred as Chelsea reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, where it will meet another former Premier League champion in the form of Leicester City.
Giroud , who was a January signing from London rival Arsenal, scored his first goal for the Blues, Willian netted a brace, while Pedro was also on target.
"It's important for Giroud's confidence. When you score your confidence grows," Conte added. "It was also important for Willy to score twice, and for Pedro to score. We need goals from our strikers."
"Willian's performance was impressive," the Italian added. "I hope to see always this type of performance, because when Willy plays in this way it's a great joy for me, the team and the fans. He played very well and I'm very happy."